Dutch Frigate HNLMS Tromp fires missiles during Formidable Shield

Naval News Staff 17 May 2023

Dutch MoD press release – Translated by Naval News

The participants mainly train in air defense during the Formidable Shield. "NATO has to deal with an increasing threat from the air," said Commander Yvonne van Beusekom, Commanding Officer of HNLMS Tromp.

"To counter this successfully, we need to work with air defense at sea as well as from the ground. Cooperation with other units at sea is very important. Replenishing supplies, doing exercises, testing new developments: you need each other for that!"

13 NATO allied countries participated in the exercise with more than 20 ships, 35 fighter jets, and 4,000 personnel. The participating units are led by the U.S. Navy, which sent a part of its Sixth Fleet.

The countries thus show that they are interoperable without restrictions. During the exercise, warships stop ‘enemy targets’ with real munitions. Participating navies not only test the crews on their capabilities but also the pilots of the F-35.

The HNLMS Tromp is equipped with a Smart-L Multimission/Naval (MM /N) radar that is capable of detecting ballistic missiles. However, she is not equipped with a surface-to-air missile to intercept the incoming ballistic missile. Therefore, it can relay the information to another air defense ship that can intercept and destroy the missile.

HNLMS Van Amstel participated under the flag of the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG) until May 15. HNLMS Tromp continues the exercise in the Atlantic Ocean. Tromp successfully engaged low-altitude enemy drones with SM-2 and ESSM missiles. "Both missiles were successfully launched. This is the result of thorough preparation and many preparations. Real teamwork!" said Van Beusekom.

During the exercise, the warships cooperated with land and air units by sharing target information, which is necessary to counter the future threat from the air.

Formidable Shield's staff embarked onboard the Spanish flagship, Álvaro de Bazán class frigate Blas de Lezo. Finland is participating in the exercise for the first time.

HNLMS Tromp returned from SNMG1 in early 2023. After the SNMG mission, engineering systems were maintained or upgraded as part of Formidable Shield preparations.

Formidable Shield will run until May 26, 2023.